But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height,
for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam. 16:7
Heavenly Father, your words to Samuel grab us early in 2020. No matter the health of our natural eyes, we need a vision-corrective that requires the Gospel and your Holy Spirit. We want to see others and ourselves, world events and personal circumstances from your perspective.
So, open the eyes of our hearts, Father. First and foremost, show us Jesus more clearly, and more of Jesus. For the better we see Jesus, the more we’ll look at everything else through the lens of grace and eternity. Heal our spiritual astigmatism and short-sightedness. Remove our heart-cataracts.
Help us see people through Gospel-eyes. When we only look at people through the distortions of our fallen hearts, we miss so much. May we see their dignity, worth, and goodness. Forgive us for looking at people primarily in terms of how they “bless,” fail, or “get” us. Help us see what you see in our family members and co-workers, friends and neighbors.
Help us view creation through Gospel-eyes. Free us to view oceans and mountains, flora and fauna, sunrises and sunsets as declarations of your majesty. Fill our hearts with childlike wonder and deep worship, as we behold your glory in the things you’ve made. Forgive us for living more like consumers of creation, than stewards.
Lastly, help us see pain and suffering through Gospel-eyes. When great need is staring us down, or another chapter of sorrow is written into our story, free us to see with the eyes of Jesus, think with the mind of Christ, and love with hands of mercy. Oh for the Day when all is new, and every tear is wiped. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ reigning and loving name.
